Bariatric surgery has emerged as a highly effective option for individuals with obesity, offering significant and sustainable weight loss outcomes. This surgical approach involves various procedures that alter the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to reduced food intake and nutrient absorption. Established procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch have proven track records. In contrast, emerging options like intragastric balloons, AspireAssist devices, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty show promise but require further investigation. Numerous studies have highlighted the remarkable benefits of bariatric surgery, not only in weight loss but also in the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities and significant improvements in quality of life. However, successful outcomes rely on a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing preoperative evaluation, patient selection, comprehensive postoperative care, nutritional support, and psychological counseling. Regular follow-up and adherence to postsurgical recommendations are crucial for sustained weight loss and positive long-term results. As bariatric surgery continues to evolve, tailored procedures based on individual needs and ongoing research hold the potential for even more refined and effective approaches. Through this ongoing advancement, bariatric surgery is poised to offer improved patient outcomes, transforming lives for those grappling with the challenges of obesity.

This review aims to assess the role of neuroplasticity in facilitating stroke recovery and identify the challenges and limitations associated with its implementation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies, which were meticulously evaluated to determine the potential solutions for effectively harnessing neuroplasticity. The results indicate that neuroplasticity holds significant promise in stroke rehabilitation; however, individual variability in response to interventions, timing and duration of interventions and sociocultural and clinical factors pose challenges. Tailoring interventions to individual patient characteristics is crucial for optimising the impact of neuroplasticity. Despite challenges and limitations, the transformative potential of neuroplasticity in stroke rehabilitation is undeniable. The abstract concludes by emphasising the importance of a comprehensive understanding of individual variability, optimising intervention timing and duration and considering sociocultural and clinical factors. Future research and clinical practice should prioritise personalised interventions and interdisciplinary collaborations to fully exploit the vast potential of neuroplasticity in stroke recovery.

This paper presents a narrative review of current knowledge on autism in Africa, including prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and the impact of social and cultural factors on families and caregivers. The prevalence of autism in Africa is estimated to be similar to that in other regions. However, diagnosis and treatment access remain limited due to various challenges, such as a shortage of specialised healthcare professionals and resources, a lack of awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among healthcare providers, and cultural stigma surrounding mental health and developmental disorders. Alternative therapies are commonly used with other therapies, but their effectiveness is often unproven. The impact of ASD on families and caregivers in Africa is significant, with many facing challenges in accessing support services and coping with stigma. Efforts are being made to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around ASD in African communities, but more research is needed on effective interventions and culturally appropriate treatments. Policy recommendations include increasing resources and training for healthcare professionals, improving access to evidence-based interventions and promoting community awareness and support. With improved understanding and investment, the quality of life of individuals with ASD in Africa can be significantly improved.

This perspective article delves into the transformative potential of drone technology in revolutionising healthcare delivery in Africa. The continent faces numerous challenges in providing timely and efficient medical services to its vast and diverse population, compounded by geographical barriers, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to medical facilities. Amidst these challenges, the integration of drone technology emerges as a promising solution, offering unprecedented opportunities to overcome longstanding obstacles and improve healthcare accessibility across Africa. Drawing from existing drone-based healthcare initiatives in Africa, the article explores various applications of drones in healthcare delivery. These encompass but are not limited to, delivering vaccines, medications, blood samples, diagnostic tools and medical personnel to remote locations in a timely and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the paper examines the operational challenges and regulatory considerations in deploying drone technology for healthcare and the ethical implications surrounding privacy and security.

The Marburg virus disease (MVD) is caused by a rare RNA virus that can result in severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates. The disease was first discovered in 1967 in Marburg Frankfurt in Germany and since then, sporadic cases have been reported in southeastern Africa. The Egyptian fruit bat is considered a reservoir for the virus, which can be transmitted through direct contact with infected bat or monkey tissue, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. The Marburg virus disease shares clinical features with the Ebola virus disease, and there are no widely accepted vaccines or antiviral medications to treat it. The article provides an overview of Marburg virus (MARV) outbreaks in Africa, including the most recent outbreaks in Guinea, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and Tanzania. The authors discuss the recent outbreaks and the implications of the spread of MARV to Africa’s healthcare systems. The authors also present key recommendations for both multicountry and global preparedness efforts in order to better prevent and respond to future MARV outbreaks and other viruses with an epidemic potential.

Stroke is a major health concern worldwide, and its impact is particularly pronounced across Africa. This paper delves into the challenges faced in African stroke care and explores the significant potential benefits of mobile stroke units (MSUs) in mitigating these issues. Key challenges include the limited healthcare infrastructure, funding constraints, difficulties reaching remote and rural areas, and shortages of qualified healthcare professionals, especially neurologists and stroke specialists. To address these challenges, recommendations are provided, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development, sustainable funding mechanisms, solutions for rural accessibility, and healthcare workforce development through training programs and incentives. Additionally, the paper discusses prospects for MSUs in Africa, highlighting the potential for technology advancements to yield more cost-effective and compact MSU models. The integration of telemedicine capabilities within MSUs is examined to enhance communication with specialist physicians at remote hospitals, ultimately improving stroke care outcomes. Furthermore, data collection on MSU outcomes and their impact on stroke care is emphasized to inform evidence-based policies and enhance MSU operations. Collaboration and partnerships between governments, healthcare organizations, and international stakeholders are critical for facilitating MSU expansion. These partnerships can provide essential funding, expertise, and support for the implementation and sustainable operation of MSUs in Africa.